According to him, Mr. Shaath has a scheduled meeting in the Friday afternoon with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The PNA Foreign Minister intends to discuss with his Russian counterpart recent developments on the Palestinian territories, including the Israeli operation in Khan-Yunis (the south of the Gaza Strip).
"Russia is an active member of the quartet of international mediators and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. We expect Russia to take active steps so that Israel stops occupation of the Palestinian territories, resumes negotiations and refuses attempts of the military settlement of the issue," Abdallah Abdallah stressed.
"We must achieve the settlement in accordance with the Road Map, but unfortunately the recent Israeli actions contradict the essence of the document. We hope that Russia as a member of the quartet will promote the necessary assistance in the fulfillment of the plan," the PNA Deputy Foreign Minister noted.
Mr. Shaath intended to pay his visit on Wednesday, but it was postponed.
